A Houston man who pleaded guilty last week to killing and beheading his grandfather changed his plea Thursday, and now says he did not commit the murder.

Justin Parris, 26, was charged with murder in the gruesome slaying of Johnnie M. Gonzales, 81, at the elder man’s home in the 900 block of Lamonte in November 2009. A retired machinist, Gonzales had lived in his World War II-era home for 40 years.

Gonzales' young granddaughter discovered his body inside the residence, where she lived with her grandfather and Parris.

The man had been stabbed to death and his head was removed from his body with a pair of hedge clippers, according to court documents.

According to reports, the family was relieved that Parris had pleaded guilty so they could be spared the agony of a trial.

Since Parris has changed his plea, a trial start date in the 351st Criminal District Court has now been set for March 7, 2014.